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Following the derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbache, word flying around in football news is that after a highly contested Istanbul derby that resulted in a 0-0 tie, Galatasaray SK announced that it will be filing formal complaints against Fenerbahçe manager José Mourinho for racist comments reportedly uttered during the after-match press conference.
The row started after Mourinho remarked that the Galatasaroy bench was “jumping like monkeys” in reaction to a contentious on-field incident. Many have perceived the remarks as racial and abusive.
In a statement released on their social media channels, Galatasaray condemned the language used by Mourinho, stating: “Since the day he assumed his managerial role in Turkey, Fenerbahçe coach José Mourinho has made it a habit to issue disparaging statements against the Turkish people. Today, his speech has exceeded the bounds of merely immoral words to unmistakably inhumane terminology.” The club also stated that it would initiate criminal proceedings and lodge official complaints with UEFA and FIFA regarding Mourinho’s alleged racist comments.
The match, officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic—a decision made to ensure neutrality following recent controversies surrounding Turkish referees—was contested under tense circumstances. Mourinho, while praising the performance of Vincic, was critical of the conduct of the Galatasaray bench, stating: “In the situation I mentioned, everyone on the opposing bench was jumping around like monkeys.” He implied that had a Turkish referee been officiating, the outcome might have been different, implying bias.
Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk responded to Mourinho’s comments with some inflammatory remarks of his own, branding him “The Crying One” and condemning his behavior during and after the match. Buruk couldn’t believe that Mourinho slandered Turkish referees and blamed his behavior.
The incident is another controversy for Mourinho since the beginning of his term at Fenerbahçe. The Portuguese manager has already been fined and banned previously for comments against Turkish game officials. No official response to the allegations has yet been available from Mourinho or Fenerbahçe.
The Turkish Football Federation, UEFA, and FIFA will most probably look into the allegations brought forward by Galatasaray. The outcome of these proceedings could have significant implications for Mourinho’s future in Turkish football and the attitude of the football world towards racism and discrimination.
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